Haggard, Busey swapping wives, 'Bachelor' woos, 'liars' returns

Tuesday , March 18, 2014 - 10:26 AM

Chuck Barney

"Celebrity Wife Swap" -- We're usually among the first to decry the relentless barrage of celebrities in reality TV. And we certainly don't expect this potential train wreck to contain even a hint of redeeming value. But the very idea that disgraced evangelist Ted Haggard will trade significant others and house rules with freaky actor Gary Busey makes it just too kooky to resist. Other oddball swapping couples include Tracey Gold and Carnie Wilson, Flavor Flav and Dee Snider, and Nicey Nash and Tina Yothers. Let the slack-jawed gawking begin. 8 p.m. Tuesday, KTVX Channel 4.

* Oprah's back. In her new original series, "Oprah's Next Chapter," the former daytime TV queen ditches the studio and hits the road to converse with an array of intriguing people. The opener has her dropping in on Steven Tyler's home to talk to the Aerosmith singer and "American Idol" judge about addiction, family and fame. 7 p.m. today, OWN.

* Who knew that Coolio kills it in the kitchen? He's one of eight celebrities showing off their skills in "Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off," a show that has Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri overseeing a culinary competition for charity. 10 p.m. today, Food Network.

* Ben Flajnik, a 28-year-old Napa Valley wine maker, is our leading man on a new season of "The Bachelor." Maybe he should award his favorite ladies with grape vines instead of the traditional roses. 7 p.m. Monday, KTVX Channel 4.

* Well, it's about time. When "Pretty Little Liars" returns with new episodes, it looks like our Rosewood pretties are finally ready to take aggressive action against their anonymous tormentor and kick a little "A." 9 p.m. Monday, ABC Family.

* "Jane By Design" is a new drama series about a quirky teen (Erica Dasher) with an eclectic chic fashion sense who lands a job at a hip design studio through a case of mistaken identity. It debuts right after a fresh episode of "Switched at Birth." 9 p.m. Tuesday, ABC Family.

* Don't look now, but we're about to be "Mobbed" again. The reality series that combines hidden-camera elements with splashy musical messages returns, ready to embarrass even more unsuspecting people. 9 p.m. Wednesday, KSTU Channel 13.

* Are you ready for more fabulous face-plants? "Winter Wipeout," the show that attempts to mine entertainment from human carnage, returns for another season and we're all achy just thinking about it. 7 p.m. Thursday, KTVX Channel 4.

* "Project Runway" presents its first all-star edition with a bunch of former contestants, but we're skeptical. First, these "all-stars" feature no past winners and, second, Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum aren't even in it. We may have to say, "you're out" and pass. 7 p.m. Thursday, Lifetime.

* The spy games resume as "Nikita" returns with a new episode that has the title character (Maggie Q) accidentally reuniting with Alex (Lyndsy Fonseca). That's fine, but we won't be really happy until she's back to getting huggy-squeezy with Michael. 7 p.m. Friday, The CW.

* Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein and the quirky citizens of "Portlandia" are back for a second season of sketch-comedy shenanigans. You don't have to be from the Pacific Northwest to enjoy this offbeat show, but it helps. 8 p.m. Friday, IFC.